Save the BUCKHORN BATHS. The plan proposed by the Mesa Preservation Foundation
Let's work to save the BUCKHORN BATHS -- one of Mesa's greatest historical treasures. The plan proposed by the Mesa Preservation Foundation is an ideal model for a private / public partnership.
Vic Linoff
shared this idea
The City of Mesa has completed its appraisal and property acquisition negotiations are ongoing.
63 comments
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C. Luther
commented
Buckhorn Baths is an Arizona icon - one of a handful of places uniquely "Arizonan". Not only the baths need preservation and re-development, but the entire area. Decaying strip malls and surrounding infrastructure do little to promote or attract folks to this area. Instead of continually building new malls in outlying areas, how about re-developing and adding venues to those that already exist? Buckhorn could be a good draw to other "anchor" venues, but there needs to be enough variety to attract and make it a paying proposition.
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Erin A
commented
This place is a great place for preservation! A wonderful piece of history. I have loved this place ever since I was a little girl and had always wanted to visit, I am sad I never got that chance. I would love the chance to explore and take pictures of this wonderful treasure.
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Marilyn
commented
I would like to record history for this project.
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Jenny Lucier
commented
I've been to the baths - many years ago. It was quite a unique place. Definitely worth saving!
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Char
commented
We need to save Buckhorn. My great-grandfather use to use their facilities, I use to do their bath blankets 28 years ago. I would pick them up and wash, dry, fold, wrap and deliver them on Sundays - the only day they were closed. I would volunteer if needed when I return for winters. It is so cool. I miss Ted & Alice. They were such great, interesting people.
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Alison
commented
Please save this Arizona treasure.
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Mark Vinson
commented
Let's preserve this outstanding piece of roadside Americana that is disappearing at an alarming rate nationwide.
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Steve Aderhold
commented
I agree with both Dustin Harrison & Jennifer Hines
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Joe Nucci at Tempe Gov
commented
The Buckhorn was enjoyed by countless celebrities in the 40s and 50s and it even played a role in the inception of Cactus League Baseball – some of our most pleasant history took place around this legendary landmark. Let’s work to preserve some of those memories and the special setting for some of the best of times in our past!
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Dustin Harrison
commented
I think that the preservation should somehow be tied to baseball history. After all, it was the baseball players that told other players about the place and soon became a popular destination.
Also, I agree with Jennifer Hines. If they can buy some property next to the resort and build a modern version of it so that it can attract people to see the "museum" and the historical value that it brought for the City of Mesa. In doing so, they will be able to save this historical treasure from a certain demise.
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k
commented
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Jennifer Hines
commented
Funding for historical preservation of Buckhorn could be obtained by building a modern spa on the rest of the property. A natural spring has many healing properties that attract tourists. Mesa could have there own high-end resort and spa that offers luxurious treatments, mud baths etc. that Buckhorn once offered and made it famous. Make the hot springs available to the public once again while preserving this historical treasure. Much like the Arizona Biltmore.
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bill ritchey
commented
i would like to offer to help you in saving the buckhorn in any way i can .please feel free to contact me.
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Dave Dyer commented
What a great project, It just needs more support from the general public.
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David Yauch
commented
This is a great proposal that I think most people will support if they are given the understanding of what this site has meant to Mesa historically. We used to be an attractive destination and this was one of the big reasons why. While it is all well and good to focus on the "next big thing" such as the new Cubs ballpark and the Gaylord resort, we need to preserve the history that we have here already.
Personally, I used to be absolutely terrified driving by the Buckhorn Baths as a kid. My mom used to threaten to take me there and make me take a bath if I didn't do so on a daily basis. I had no idea what a cool place it was....to me a "Buckhorn Bath" just sounded painful. It may not be the same type of memory that early Mesa residents have of the place, but I digress...
With the diving lady restoration happening just a short way up the road, we have a chance to preserve some real history in this area.
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GeeGee
commented
Main Street has changed so much over the yeaers. Buckhorn Baths, although ot in the best of shape, is so unique to the East Valley and Arizona. It would be a shame to see this special site get lost.
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Eddie Hill commented
I drive by the buckhorn almost everyday. and it saddens me every time to see the state of disrepair it has fallen into. I hope that one day someone will restore it to its former glory!
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I drive by the buckhorn almost everyday. and it saddens me every time to see the state of disrepair it has fallen into. I hope that one day someone will restore it to its former glory!
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Ginger SP
commented
Yes, please let's do something constructive and creative with them. With Alyce gone, I'm afraid the property will be sold off and there is no way to get that kind of history back.
I have lived here for 25 years and Buckhorn Motel is where I spent my very first night in Arizona. -
TJ
commented
Save the Baths!
